Photos of the restoration process and the finished work. Courtesy architect Mariana Quiroga.

Mar del Plata-Buenos Aires (Argentina). Casa sobre el Arroyo. Uploaded by Casco Histórico de Buenos Aires.

Architectural Highlights

The two entrances of the house coincide with the bridge abutments two symmetrical stairs follow the bridge line and lead to the middle of the living area. In order to span the arch, the steps each have a different height, but you don't notice when walking. This area occupies the whole length of the house (27m) and is lit by a Corbusian horizontal strip window. An important aspect of the building lies in its structural conception a truly three-dimensional construction working as a harmonious whole. Through vertical partitions, the curved element works simultaneously with the flat slab floor and with the railing beams that surround it. These beams carry the cantilever and divert the weight of the slab and the thrust of the curved element to the foundations, through gates and walls.

Reinforced concrete that was tested in a laboratory, is the main material. The exposed concrete of the exterior skin is treated chemically. The interiors are almost entirely built in wood boards, pre-assembled as a complete set in a carpentry workshop, then dismantled and finally reassembled on site. Between the musical studio of Alberto Williams and the dining room, Amancio Williams designed a dividing wall a folding door, composed of wooden panels, covered in olive leather, linoleum and piano-style brass hinges. The use of leather might have served as an acoustic provision. Amancio Williams designed all light fittings. Most of them were made of bronze and opal glass.

Past Threat

Unfortunately the interior of the house was destroyed by a fire in 2004. Therefore the house was in a bad condition and awaited many years to be restored.

Incendio de la Casa del Puente. Uploaded by notiarq. 8 May 2011 (1:53)

Literature